Robert Edward Baker

ROBERT EDWARD "BOB" BAKER, 93, of Sherwood, flew to heaven on Sept. 20, 2013. He was born Feb. 17, 1920, one of 10 children born to James and Priscella Baker. He graduated Beebe High School in 1939 and joined the Arkansas National Guard while World War II was well under way. His 153rd Infantry Regiment was inducted into Federal Service December 1940 and later sent to Alaska three months before the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. After two and a half years in Alaska, he was sent back to the states and put in Paratroopers of 17th Airborne Division. After remaining at Camp Forrest, Tenn., he was discharged from the Army in 1945. While working for Cudahy Packing Company, Bob met Emogene Sexton of Cabot and they were married December 1948. Their son, Bobby, was born in 1950. Bob attended college with his G.I. bill and was later accepted at the University of Tennessee where he graduated with Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1958. He practiced dentistry for 25 years and retired due to complications from diabetes and arthritis. Bob was one of the founding members of the Sylvan Hills-Sherwood Optimist Club and also served as president. Other accomplishments include coaching Little League and Babe Ruth baseball, serving as deacon at Sylvan Hills First Baptist, he was Sunday School Superintendent, taught Sunday School, and was a member of the Pulaski County School District School Board. He was Alderman for Sherwood City Council, chairman of the Sherwood Fire Commission. Bob was an avid gardener, fisherman, and hunter, who enjoyed doing things for his family. Bob leaves behind his wife Jean of 65 years; son, Bobby Baker; grandchildren, Shelley Rohr and Lance Baker; and great-grandchildren, Madison, Dylan, Truitt, Whitney, Atalanta, and Ashlyn. The family will receive friends and family at the church from 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24 with memorial service to follow at Sylvan Hills First Baptist Church, Hwy 107, Sherwood. Arrangements made of Roller Owens Funeral Home (501-791-7400).